Team Herald
VASCO: Minister for Panchayat Mauvin Godinho said that weaker panchayats have been identified by State administration and such panchayats would, henceforth, get increased fund from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 3 lakh.
“While weaker panchayats would get increased funds, we have also decided to provide additional funds to all seven panchayats under Mormugao taluka as these panchayat are located within ten kilometer radius of Dabolim Airport and we have to ensure cleanliness in these panchayats to curb bird hits cases at Dabolim airport. It has been decided to provide increased fund of Rs 7 lakh to all seven panchayats under Mormugao taluka,” he said this while speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the inauguration of new Quelossim Panchayat office on Sunday.
“With better facilities the sarpanch and deputy sarpanch will work better, and hence we have decided to build new panchayat ghar or to provide funds for repairs of panchayat ghar, wherever required,” he informed.
Refusing to tender any apology as demanded by the Goa unit of Shiv Sena for his statement against panchayat secretaries for accusing them to be corrupt, Godinho said that he would be wasting his time if he gives any reply to Shiv Sena.
“I don’t want to reply to those who have no foundation, no proper thinking and have not even established a foothold in Goan politics. Why should I comment and waste my time,” Godinho said.
He added, “If everybody wants to paint everybody with the same brush then it is up to them. I never painted everybody with the same brush. I only said that some secretaries who are corrupt will face action. Again I am repeating the same.”
“There are black sheep everywhere and we have to take action against them, otherwise what is the use. Secretaries are government servants and they are not doing any favour. It is their duty to work for the people and those who are not doing their job properly and are only interested in making money then such people should be sent home. If I say this, what’s wrong in this,” Godinho asked.
Cortalim MLA Alina Saldanha who was present for the inauguration congratulated the Quelossim villagers and the panchayat for the new panchayat ghar. She said that since the new panchayat office is located in the heart of the village, it would make life easier for the villagers as all facilities will be easily available.
